Mikel Arteta has remained tight-lipped regarding the latest Arsenal team news ahead of his side's return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon against Brentford.
Not since a few days before last month's 4-2 win over Leicester City has the Gunners boss had the luxury of having every single first-team player fully fit and available for selection. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, he may have to wait until after the international break to experience the dream scenario once again.
This is because it was revealed by the Ukraine national team that Oleksandr Zinchenko has not been selected for international duty after suffering a calf muscle injury in training which will keep him out of action for two weeks - thus ruling the Arsenal star out of the Brentford clash.
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The midfielder of the national team Oleksandr Zinchenko, unfortunately, will not be able to help the blue-yellow during the September matches UEFA Nations League 2022/2023," a statement reads. "The player of the London side "Arsenal" suffered a calf muscle injury during training at the club, which will require about two weeks for treatment and recovery.
"Oleksandr immediately personally informed the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Petrakov, of the unfortunate news by calling him."
The injury blow was raised by reporters during the pre-match press conference at London Colney on Friday afternoon, but Arteta refused to be drawn on the situation: "Unfortunately, that day will be tomorrow when we have the last training session and today there’s not much to give," he said.
"Tomorrow, whoever we have to rule out is going to be tomorrow. We have those 24 hours still to see if one or two can be considered for training and for selection, but that will be key in the next 24 hours."
Then when pressed to deliver a definitive update on Zinchenko's availability considering Ukraine's statement, the Spaniard seemingly didn't want to confirm his summer signing's absence: "Again, we have to wait until tomorrow to make that decision," Arteta said.
"Where he was at that moment and what we have decided to do for the international week doesn’t mean that we will decide the same for the weekend. So it’s something we will address tomorrow."
In addition, and somewhat surprisingly, there was no update regarding Thomas Partey. The midfielder has missed the last four games across all competitions with a thigh problem but was reported to have returned to full training at the beginning of the week.
With that said, amid suggestions that the reason White wasn't included in the England squad is because of hip/knee issues, Arteta has confirmed the defender is fit and indicated that the omission was simply down to a decision made by Gareth Southgate.
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